Liquid cleaning compositions containing sulfonated estolides and alkyl ester sulfonates

ABSTRACT

Liquid cleaning compositions are described that comprise sulfo-estolide (SE) salts, particular sodium, lithium or ammonium salts of sulfo-estolides, and alkyl ester sulfonates. The liquid cleaning compositions are clear, stable and substantially free of precipitates due to the use of sodium, lithium or ammonium salts of sulfo-estolide rather than a potassium sulfo-estolide salt in the composition. The liquid cleaning compositions also have a total combined amount of saturated C16 and C18 fatty acids of less than about 5% by weight to prevent the formation of precipitates in the composition.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of International application SerialNo. PCT/US2010/048484 (International Publication No. WO 2011/032009),having an international filing date of Sep. 10, 2010. This PCTapplication claims priority to and claims benefit from U.S. provisionalpatent application Ser. No. 61/241,710 filed Sep. 11, 2009. The entirespecifications of the PCT and provisional applications referred to aboveare hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present technology relates to compositions comprisingsulfo-estolides, particularly salts of sulfo-estolides, and alkyl estersulfonates. Such compositions, in general, are disclosed in U.S.application Ser. No. 12/507,011, which is herein incorporated byreference in its entirety. According to application Ser. No. 12/507,011,potassium is a preferred salt of sulfo-estolides for use in heavy dutyliquid laundry concentrates because the potassium salt is significantlylower in viscosity than a comparable composition that contains the sameamount of a sodium salt. Although such potassium salts ofsulfo-estolides have desirable viscosity properties, they have anunexpected drawback in that they tend to form precipitates when used incompositions that also comprise alkyl ester sulfonates. Precipitates areundesirable for liquid cleaning compositions. In some cases theprecipitates will settle to the bottom of the container holding theliquid cleaning composition. In other cases, the precipitate will besuspended throughout the composition. In either case, such precipitatesare unacceptable whereas a liquid cleaning composition that issubstantially free of settled precipitates is desired.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, one aspect of the present technology is a liquid cleaningcomposition that comprises sulfo-estolide salts and alkyl estersulfonates which is substantially free of settled precipitates and has apercent transmittance of greater than about 50 at 570 nanometersmeasured in the absence of dyes and opacifiers at 25° C.

A further aspect of the present technology is a liquid cleaningcomposition that comprises sulfo-estolide salts and alkyl estersulfonates wherein the sulfo-estolide salts are sodium, lithium orammonium salts of sulfo-estolides, or mixtures thereof, and the liquidcleaning composition is substantially free of precipitates.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[Not Applicable]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present technology, in general, relates to sulfo-estolides. Moreparticularly, the present technology relates to liquid cleaningcompositions comprising sulfo-estolides and alkyl ester sulfonates thatare substantially free of settled precipitates. The compositionsdescribed herein include, but are not limited to, sulfo-estolides havingthe structure of general Formula 1:

In general Formula 1:

-   -   n is an integer from about 1 to about 30, alternatively about 1        to about 10, alternatively 1 to 4, alternatively 1, 2, or 3,        alternatively 1 or 2, alternatively 1; or a mixture thereof;    -   One of X and Y is SO₃ ⁻Z, the other of X and Y is H (i.e., a        hydrogen atom), and X and Y are independently assigned in each        repeating unit;    -   A¹ and A² are independently selected linear or branched,        saturated or unsaturated, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl        diradicals, where the total number of carbons for each repeating        unit is independent and in the range of C₈ to C₂₂. As defined        here, the term    -   “alkyl diradical” is meant to refer to a linking hydrocarbon or        alkylene segment, for example but by no means limited to        —(CH₂)₃—, —(CH₂)₄—, —(CH₂)₅—, and so forth;    -   a is 0, 1, or 2, and is independently assigned in each repeating        unit. When a=0, 1, or 2, the functional group corresponds to an        alpha-sulfo-estolide, beta-sulfo-estolide, or        gamma-sulfo-estolide, respectively;    -   R can be linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated,        substituted or un-substituted hydrocarbon, wherein the total        number of carbon atoms can be from about 1 to about 24. In at        least one embodiment, R has from about 7 to about 21 carbon        atoms, alternatively from about 8 to about 16 carbon atoms, and        can be a saturated or unsaturated linear or branched        hydrocarbon, a linear or branched hydroxyalkane sulfonate, or a        linear or branched alkene sulfonate. For example, in one        embodiment, A¹ and A² are linear alkyl diradicals and R is        saturated or unsaturated linear hydrocarbon, linear        hydroxyalkane sulfonate, or linear alkene sulfonate having from        about 7 to about 21, alternatively from about 8 to about 16        carbons;    -   W is a monovalent or divalent metal; ammonium; substituted        ammonium; H; or a linear or branched, substituted or        unsubstituted alkyl having from about 1 to about 22 carbon        atoms. For example, W can be an alkali or alkaline earth metal        cation. Alternatively, W can be a glycerine joined by an ester        linkage, e.g., a substituted C3 alkyl such that the structure of        general Formula 1 is incorporated one or more times as an ester        in a monoglyceride, a diglyceride, or a triglyceride.    -   Z is H or a monovalent or divalent metal cation, ammonium or        substituted ammonium cation, preferably an alkali or alkaline        earth metal cation, for example potassium, sodium, calcium, or        magnesium.

It has surprisingly been found that when the sulfo-estolides of generalFormula 1 are used in combination with alkyl ester sulfonates in liquidcleaning compositions, the sodium salt (where W is sodium or H and Z issodium in general Formula 1) results in a clear, substantiallyprecipitate-free composition, whereas the potassium salt (where W ispotassium or H and Z is potassium in general Formula 1) results insignificant unacceptable precipitates. While not wishing to be bound byany particular theory, it is believed that, in solution, ionization ofthe sulfo-estolide salts and alkyl ester sulfonates occurs, and thatthere is enough ion exchange when the potassium salt of sulfo-estolidesis used to cause potassium alkyl ester sulfonate salts to form. Becausepotassium alkyl ester sulfonates are significantly less soluble thansodium alkyl ester sulfonates, precipitates of potassium alkyl estersulfonate are formed. When sodium sulfo-estolide salt is used incombination with alkyl ester sulfonates, no precipitates are formed,which is believed to be due to the higher solubility of sodium alkylester sulfonate compared to potassium alkyl ester sulfonate. Based uponknown Krafft points for lithium and ammonium methyl ester sulfonates(Journal of the American Oil Chemists Society, 1965, 42, 1078),similarly clear, substantially precipitate-free compositions should beobtained when lithium or ammonium salts of sulfo-estolides are used asthe sulfo-estolide component in the liquid cleaning composition.

The precipitates that form when a potassium sulfo-estolide salt is usedin combination with a methyl ester sulfonate surfactant can settle tothe bottom of the container holding the liquid cleaning composition.Such settled precipitates are undesirable for a liquid cleaningcomposition and it is preferable that the liquid cleaning composition besubstantially free of settled precipitates. By “substantially free” ismeant that there are no settled precipitates visible to the naked eye.

In some cases precipitates can be evenly suspended throughout thecomposition. As a measure of suspended, unacceptable precipitate for thecompositions of the present technology, it is desirable to have apercent transmittance of light of greater than about 50 using a 1centimeter cuvette at a wavelength of 570 nanometers wherein thecomposition is measured in the absence of dyes and opacifiers at 25° C.Alternatively, transparency of the composition may be measured as havingan absorbance (A) at 570 nanometers of less than about 0.3 which is inturn equivalent to percent transmittance of greater than about 50 usingthe same cuvette as above. The relationship between absorbance andpercent transmittance is:Percent Transmittance=100(1/inverse log A)

Compositions of the present technology are clear, transparent anddesirably have a percent transmittance of greater than about 50 at awavelength of 570 nanometers when measured in the absence of dyes andopacifiers at 25° C.

Sulfo-Estolide Component

A suitable starting material for preparing the sulfo-estolide salt usedin the compositions of the present technology is a fatty acid (fattycarboxylic acid). Fatty acids that may be suitable for use in thepresent technology include but are not limited to linear unsaturatedfatty acids of about 8 to about 24 carbons, branched unsaturated fattyacids of about 8 to about 24 carbons, or mixtures thereof. Unsaturatedfatty acids provided from commercial sources containing both saturatedand unsaturated fatty acids are suitable for use in the presenttechnology. Mixtures of saturated fatty acids and unsaturated fattyacids are also contemplated. In a non-limiting example, fatty acidmixtures that are rich in oleic acid (cis-9-octadecenoic acid) aresuitable feedstocks. Other unsaturated fatty acids, for example but notlimited to, trans-octadecenoic acids or palmitoleic acid may also beemployed in the presently described technology.

Suitable feedstocks may be derived from vegetable and/or animal sources,including but not limited to fatty acids and fatty acid mixtures derivedfrom canola oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, linseed oil, olive oil, palmoil, peanut oil, rapeseed oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, soybean oil,sunflower oil, tall oil, tung oil, lard, poultry fat, BFT (bleachablefancy tallow), edible tallow, coconut oil, cuphea oil, yellow grease andcombinations of these. Also contemplated are genetically modified orengineered oils that include, but are not limited to high oleicsunflower or soybean oil. In some embodiments, the preferred unsaturatedfatty acid feedstocks may contain reduced levels of polyunsaturatedfatty acids, for example, less than 15%, alternatively less than 10%,alternatively less than 5% on a total weight basis. In some additionalembodiments, the fatty acid feedstocks may be obtained by the partialhydrogenation of unsaturated triglycerides, for example soybean oil,followed by hydrolysis of the oil to afford fatty acids that areenriched in monounsaturated fatty acids and depleted in polyunsaturatedfatty acids. The above-noted triglycerides optionally hydrogenated, canalso be used as feedstocks, alone or in combination with fatty acids.Suitable feedstocks may also include those that contain saturated fattyacids. However, because excess saturated C16/C18 fatty acids in thefinal product composition can result in an unstable product, asexplained more fully below, it is desirable to limit the amount ofsaturated fatty acids in the feedstock so that when the resultantsulfo-estolide is incorporated into a composition, the total saturatedfatty acid content in the composition is less than about 5%, preferablyless than about 3%, and most preferably less than about 1%. Further, thefeedstocks may be enriched in mono unsaturated fatty acids, for example,via distillation; however, undistilled feedstocks are preferred due tolower cost.

The compounds of general Formula 1 and related compounds (for example,where n=0) can be made, for example, by: a) SO₃ sulfonation of a fattyacid, for example oleic acid; b) neutralization with aqueous caustic toafford a sulfonate salt solution with a pH in the range of about 4 toabout 10; and c) hydrolysis of the resulting sultones, maintaining thereaction mixture at a pH of about 4 to about 10. Sulfonation can becarried out, for example, using a falling film SO₃ process or othercontinuous SO₃ sulfonation processes.

The sulfo-estolide produced from sulfonation can be immediatelytransferred to a vessel or reactor, for example a continuous neutralizer(“CN”), for the purpose of neutralizing sulfonic acids and at least aportion of the carboxylic acids that are present. Alternatively, agingof the sulfo-estolide sulfonic acid may be provided for the purpose ofmodifying the composition of the acid, particularly with regard to anincrease in the amount of esters wherein X and Y within one or morerepeating units, in general Formula 1, are both H. Neutralization of theacids is accomplished by reaction with aqueous base, for example but notlimited to aqueous NaOH, ammonium hydroxide, and metal carbonates.Although aqueous KOH is also a known base for neutralization, KOH is nota desirable base for use in the present technology since potassiumsulfo-estolides form precipitates when used in combination with alkylester sulfonates, as described above. In some embodiments, the amount ofalkali that may be used in the neutralization is an amount that providesa neutralized product with a pH of about 4 to about 10. In theseembodiments, the neutralized reaction mass may be produced in a way thatminimizes the hydrolysis of carboxylic esters. In at least some of theseembodiments, the amount of carboxylic ester hydrolysis that may occurmay approach zero. When utilized, the CN may be operated with a massfraction of acid of from about 0.1 to about 0.8, optionally about 0.5.The process can be carried out at a temperature of about 20° C. to about100° C., alternatively about 40° C. to about 70° C. The free alkalinitylevel, as measured by titration with aqueous HCl to a bromophenol blueendpoint, optionally using potash (potassium hydroxide) as the caustic,can be from 0 to about 3.5 wt. %, optionally about 2.5 wt. %. Note thatall percentages are by weight in this specification, unless otherwiseindicated. In a non-limiting example, the final average additions to theCN can be approximately 50% sulfo-estolide sulfonic acid, 35% water, and15% caustic (50% concentration).

Hydrolysis of Sultones

The neutralized sulfo-estolide product can be subjected to a hydrolysisstep for the purpose of hydrolyzing sultones, sulfonic acid esters, andacid anhydrides. This sultone hydrolysis step may be conducted underconditions that prevent significant sultone hydrolysis of carboxylicesters in the product. The temperature of the sultone hydrolysisreaction mixture may be from about 20° C. to about 140° C.,alternatively from about 50° C. to about 90° C. In some embodiments, thepH of the reaction mixture may be maintained in the range of about 4 toabout 10 throughout the course of reaction without the need to addadditional caustic. In some additional embodiments, additional causticmay be added to ensure that the pH is maintained in the range of about 4to about 10. The sultone hydrolysis may be conducted in a continuous orbatch process method and may be conducted for an amount of timenecessary to result in a stabilized level of free alkalinity, as may bejudged, for example, by titration to bromophenol blue endpoint withaqueous HCl.

It is contemplated that hydrolysis of sultones may be conducted at a pHabove about 10 without substantial carboxylic ester hydrolysis providedthat the reaction temperature and free caustic are maintainedsufficiently low.

Neutral Bleaching

In at least one embodiment, bleaching of neutralized products ofsulfo-estolides may be conducted by treating the products with aqueoushydrogen peroxide, for example 35% H₂O₂, in a bleaching reaction that isconducted at a temperature of about 20° C. to about 150° C.,alternatively about 50° C. to about 120° C., alternatively about 70° C.to about 100° C. Alternatively, metal hypochlorite, ozone, or any otheroxidant or other material that is effective as a bleaching agent may beused. The hydrogen peroxide or alternative oxidizing agent may be usedin any amount that is effective in providing a desired color reduction.For example, aqueous hydrogen peroxide may be added to provide about0.05% to about 5% by weight active hydrogen peroxide, alternatively fromabout 0.1% to about 3%. The bleaching of the neutralized product may beconducted in the same step as the sultone hydrolysis, or may beconducted in a separate step. For example, if carried out concurrently,hydrogen peroxide can be added at about 2% (wt/wt) concentration (at100% active) to a reaction vessel used to conduct sultone hydrolysis.The free alkalinity and free peroxide can be measured periodically untilthe targeted % free alkalinity level, for example 1.8%-2.0% is reached.If the % free alkalinity is lower than the target before sultonehydrolysis is complete, then an additional amount of base can be addedto maintain the target levels. In at least one embodiment, it ispreferable that the amount of free peroxide in the reaction mixture bemaintained above about 20 ppm, alternatively above about 100 ppm,alternatively above about 500 ppm, so as to avoid discoloration of thereaction mass, adding additional amounts of hydrogen peroxide ifnecessary.

If required or desired, additional hydrogen peroxide can be added aftersultone hydrolysis is completed for the purpose of enabling additionalbleaching of the sultone hydrolyzed product. If required or desired, areducing agent such as SO₂ or sulfurous acid, or metal salts thereof,can be added at or near the end of the bleaching step in order to reduceresidual free peroxide to a desired level.

In accordance with some embodiments, it is preferable to conduct thebleaching of neutralized products of sulfo-estolides with hydrogenperoxide at a pH in the range of about 4.5 to about 7.5, alternativelyabout 5 to about 7, wherein these ranges correspond to pH valuesmeasured on diluted samples, for example about 1 wt % or about 2 wt % ofsample diluted in water. Preferably, the pH of the bleaching reactionmixture is maintained, at least initially, below a pre-determined levelthat is necessary to minimize hydrogen peroxide decomposition, toprevent severe foaming of the reaction mixture, and to improve colorreduction. It has been found that if the pH of the bleaching reactionmixture is at and above that pre-determined level, at least during theinitial stage of bleaching reaction, substantial peroxide decompositionand severe foaming occurs. Without intending to be bound by anyparticular theory, it is believed that such decomposition and severefoaming may be dependent on a number of factors, including dissolvedmetal ions in the reaction mixture, exposure to metal reaction equipmentsurfaces, and bleaching reaction temperature. It is contemplated thatthe decomposition of bleaching agent may be altered or mitigated throughthe incorporation of stabilizers, including but not limited to metalchelating agents, or alternatively through the passivation of metalsurfaces or the use of non-metal surface process equipment.

The resulting sultone hydrolyzed product is a salt of sulfo-estolides(SE) that can be used to formulate the liquid cleaning compositions ofthe present technology.

Alkyl Ester Sulfonates

In addition to the sulfo-estolide salts, the present compositions alsocomprise one or more alkyl ester sulfonates. The preferred alkyl estersulfonate surfactants, especially for laundry applications, comprisealkyl ester sulfonate surfactants of the structural formula:R³—CH(SO₃M)-C(O)—OR⁴where R³ is a C₈-C₂₀ hydrocarbyl, preferably an alkyl or combinationthereof, R⁴ is a C₁-C₆ hydrocarbyl, preferably an alkyl, or combinationthereof, and M is a cation which forms a water soluble salt with thealkyl ester sulfonate. Suitable salt-forming cations include metals suchas sodium, potassium, and lithium, and substituted or unsubstitutedammonium cations, such as monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, andtriethanolamine. Preferably, R³ is C₁₀-C₁₆ alkyl, and R⁴ is methyl,ethyl or isopropyl. The alkyl group R³ may have a mixture of chainlengths. Alkyl ester sulfonates can be provided as blends of compoundswith different R³ substitutents. For example, a C12-C18 alkyl estersulfonate indicates a blend of compounds having R³ substitutents of C₁₂,C₁₈ and lengths in between. Examples of alkyl ester sulfonate blendsinclude the methyl ester sulfonates where R³ is C₁₀-C₁₆ alkyl, C₁₀-C₁₈alkyl, or C₁₂-C₁₈ alkyl. Suitable alkyl ester sulfonates includepredominantly (>50%) C12 alpha methyl ester sulfonate, predominantly(>50%) C16 alpha methyl ester sulfonate, and blends of predominantly C12and predominantly C16 alkyl ester sulfonates. A preferred alkyl estersulfonate is sodium methyl-2 sulfo C12-C18 ester. Furthermore, alkylester sulfonates can be provided in compositions comprising othersurfactants. For example, for many embodiments and formulations, apreferred commercially available component is ALPHA-STEP PC-48(available from Stepan Co., Northfield, Ill.), which includes sodiummethyl-2 sulfo C12-C18 ester and disodium 2-sulfo C12-C18 fatty acid.

Other suitable anionic surfactants that can be used are alkyl estersulfonate surfactants including linear esters of C₈-C₂₀ carboxylic acids(i.e., fatty acids) which are sulfonated with gaseous SO₃ according to“The Journal of the American Oil Chemists Society,” 52 (1975), pp.323-329. Suitable starting materials include natural fatty substances asderived from tallow, palm oil, or other vegetable and/or animal sources.

Alkyl ester sulfonates also include fatty acid ester sulfonates, whichare represented by the formula:R⁴CH(SO₃M)CO₂R⁵

where R⁴ is an alkyl group of 6 to 16 atoms, R⁵ is an alkyl group of 1to 4 carbon atoms and M is a solubilizing cation. The group R⁴ may havea mixture of chain lengths. Preferably at least two-thirds of thesegroups have 6 to 12 carbon atoms. This will be the case when the moietyR⁴CH(−)CO₂(−) is derived from a coconut source, for instance. It ispreferred that R⁵ is a straight chain alkyl, notably methyl or ethyl.

In various embodiments of the present technology, the formulations caninclude one or more alkyl ester sulfonates in the amounts of from about0.1% to about 90% by active weight; alternatively from about 2% to about70% by active weight; alternatively from about 5% to about 45% by activeweight; alternatively, from about 10% to about 30% by active weightbased on the total weight of the composition. More particularly,formulations comprising one or more alkyl ester sulfonate inconcentrations of at least about 0.1% by weight, alternatively at leastabout 0.2% by weight, alternatively at least about 0.5% by weight,alternatively at least about 1% by weight, alternatively at least about2% by weight, alternatively at least about 4% by weight, alternativelyat least about 5% by weight, alternatively at least about 10% by weight,are contemplated, as are formulations comprising at least about 0.1% byweight, alternatively at least about 0.2% by weight, alternatively atleast about 0.5% by weight, alternatively at least about 1% by weight,alternatively at least about 2% by weight, alternatively at least about5% by weight, are contemplated, as are concentrations of at most about99.9% by weight, alternatively at most about 95% by weight,alternatively at most about 90% by weight, alternatively at most about70% by weight, alternatively at most about 50% by weight, alternativelyat most about 40% by weight, alternatively at most about 30% by weight,alternatively at most about 20% by weight. Any of the foregoing minimumsand maximums can be combined to recite a range for the concentration ofalkyl ester sulfonates in a formulation.

Liquid Cleaning Formulations

The sulfo-estolide salts, preferably the sodium salt of sulfo-estolide,and the alkyl, preferably methyl, ester sulfonate surfactants describedabove are formulated into liquid cleaning compositions that are clear,stable and free of precipitates. In order to control the stability ofthe final, liquid cleaning composition, it is important to limit theamount of saturated C16 and C18 fatty acids (or soaps formed from thefatty acids) that the sulfo-estolide salt contributes to the finalliquid cleaning composition. It has been found that when too much of thecombination of these materials is present, the composition is not stableand the materials will precipitate from the composition. It is thereforedesirable to minimize the amount of the combined total percent ofsaturated C16 and C18 fatty acids in the final, liquid cleaningcomposition.

Preferably the combined total percent of saturated C16 and C18 fattyacids is less than about 5%, preferably less than about 3%,alternatively less than about 1% by weight of the final liquid cleaningcomposition. One method of limiting the percent of saturated C16 and C18fatty acids present in the final composition is to limit the percent ofsaturated C16 and C18 fatty acids in the feedstock used to synthesizethe sodium sulfo-estolide salt. The amount of saturated C16 and C18fatty acids that can be present in the feedstock will depend in part onthe amount of sodium sulfo-estolide salt that will be used in the liquidcleaning composition. The greater the amount of sodium sulfo-estolide tobe used in the liquid cleaning composition, the lower the percent ofsaturated C16 and C18 fatty acids that should be used in the feedstockin order to insure that the percent of saturated C16 and C18 fatty acidmaterial present in the final composition is less than about 5%,preferably less than about 3%, and most preferably less than about 1%.

A wide variety of liquid cleaning compositions can be made that includethe sulfo-estolide salt, preferably sodium sulfo-estolide salt, andalkyl, preferably methyl, ester sulfonate components, with or withoutother ingredients as specified below. Formulations are contemplated thatcomprise 1% to 98%, more preferably between 1% and 50%, alternativelybetween 1% and 30% by weight of the sulfo-estolide salt, and 1% to 70%,more preferably between 1% and 60%, alternatively between 1% and 40% byweight of the alkyl ester sulfonate surfactant, with 98% to 1%,preferably 90% to 10% by weight water and, optionally, other ingredientsas described herein.

In addition to the sodium or other sulfo-estolide salt and alkyl estersulfonate surfactant, other components commonly contained in liquidcleaning products are contemplated for formulating the liquid cleaningproducts of the present technology. For example, the liquid cleaningcompositions can comprise other surfactants, including anionic,cationic, nonionic, ampholytic and zwitterionic surfactants, andmixtures thereof, builders, alkaline agents, enzymes, adjuvants andcleaning adjuncts, and perfumes and dyes. Preferred additionalsurfactants include alcohol ethoxylates, alkyl polyglucosides, alkylether sulfates and linear alkyl benzene sulfonates. Such additionalcomponents are described in detail in U.S. application Ser. No.12/507,011, incorporated herein by reference.

“Anionic surfactants” are defined here as amphiphilic molecules with anaverage molecular weight of less than about 10,000, comprising one ormore functional groups that exhibit a net anionic charge when in aqueoussolution at the normal wash pH, which can be a pH between 6 and 11. Theanionic surfactant used in the present technology can be any anionicsurfactant that is substantially water soluble. “Water soluble”surfactants are, unless otherwise noted, here defined to includesurfactants which are soluble or dispersible to at least the extent of0.01% by weight in distilled water at 25° C. It is preferred that atleast one of the anionic surfactants used in the present technology bean alkali or alkaline earth metal salt of a natural or synthetic fattyacid containing between about 4 and about 30 carbon atoms. It isespecially preferred to use a mixture of carboxylic acid salts with oneor more other anionic surfactants. Another important class of anioniccompounds is the water soluble salts, particularly the alkali metalsalts, of organic sulfur reaction products having in their molecularstructure an alkyl radical containing from about 6 to about 24 carbonatoms and a radical selected from the group consisting of sulfonic andsulfuric acid ester radicals.

Preferred additional surfactants for use in laundry detergentcompositions include, for example, Steol CS-270 (lauryl 2-mole averageether sulfonate), Steol CS-170 (lauryl 1-mole average ether sulfonate),Steol CS-330 (lauryl 3-mole average ether sulfonate), Bio-Soft EC-690(alcohol ethoxylate), Bio-Soft D-40 (sodium alkylbenzenesulfonate),Bio-Soft S-101 (alkylbenzene sulfonic acid) neutralized with sodium,potassium, ammonium and/or magnesium, Bio-Terge AS-40 (sodium olefinsulfonate), Alpha-Step PC-48 (alkyl methyl ester sulfonate) and/orStepanol WA-Extra K (sodium lauryl sulfate), all from the StepanCompany, Northfield, Ill. The amount of anionic surfactant contemplatedcan be, for example, 1% to 70% of the composition more preferablybetween 1% and 60%, even more preferably between 1% and 40%.

Cationic Surfactants

Specific cationic surfactants contemplated for use in the presentcompositions include ditallow dimethylammonium chloride (DTDMAC), fattyalkanolamides (FAA), and quaternized diesters of trialkanolamines andfatty acids. The proportions of cationic surfactants used in aformulation can range, for example, from 0.1% to 20%, more preferablybetween 1% and 10%, even more preferably between 1% and 5%. See also P&GU.S. Pat. No. 5,929,022; column 6, 2nd paragraph through column 7, 1stparagraph, from which much of the following discussion comes:

Cationic detersive surfactants suitable for use in the presentcompositions, particularly laundry detergent compositions of the presenttechnology, include those having one long-chain hydrocarbyl group.Examples of such cationic surfactants include the ammonium surfactantssuch as alkyldimethylammonium halogenides, and those surfactants havingthe formula:[R²(OR³)_(y)][R⁴(OR³)_(y)]₂R⁵N⁺X⁻where R² is an alkyl or alkyl benzyl group having from about 8 to about18 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain, each R³ is selected from the groupconsisting of —CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH(CH₃)—, —CH₂CH(CH₂OH)—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂—, andmixtures thereof; each R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₄alkyl, C₁-C₄ hydroxyalkyl, benzyl ring structures formed by joining thetwo R⁴ groups, —CH₂CHOH—CH(OH)C(O)R⁶CH(OH)CH₂OH where R⁶ is any hexoseor hexose polymer having a molecular weight less than about 1000, andhydrogen when y is not 0; R⁵ is the same as R⁴ or is an alkyl chainwhere the total number of carbon atoms of R² plus R⁵ is not more thanabout 18; each y is from 0 to about 10 and the sum of the y values isfrom 0 to about 15; and X is any compatible anion. The long chaincationic surfactant can also be the quaternized version ofstearamidopropyl dimethylamine (e.g. stearamidopropyl trimethylaminechloride).

Preferred cationic surfactants are the water-soluble quaternary ammoniumcompounds useful in the present composition having the formula:R¹R²R³R⁴N⁺X⁻where R¹ is C₈-C₁₆ alkyl, each of R², R³ and R⁴ is independently C₁-C₄alkyl, C₁-C₄ hydroxyalkyl, benzyl, or —(C₂H₄O)_(x)H where x has a valuefrom 1 to 5, and X is an anion. In an embodiment, not more than one ofR², R³ or R⁴ is benzyl.

The preferred alkyl chain length for R¹ is C₁₂-C₁₅, particularly wherethe alkyl group is a mixture of chain lengths derived from coconut orpalm kernel fat or is derived synthetically by olefin build up or OXOalcohols synthesis. Preferred groups for R², R³, and R⁴ are methyl andhydroxyethyl groups and the anion X may be selected from halide,methosulphate, acetate and phosphate ions.

Nonionic Surfactants

Examples of suitable nonionic surfactants include alkyl polyglucosides(“APGs”), alcohol ethoxylates, nonylphenol ethoxylates, and others. Thenonionic surfactant may be used as from 1% to 90%, more preferably from1 to 40% and most preferably between 1% and 32% of a detergentcomposition.

Very suitable as nonionic surfactants are poly hydroxy fatty acid amidesurfactants of the formulaR²—C(O)—N(R¹)—Zwhere R¹ is H, or R¹ is C₁₋₄ hydrocarbyl, 2-hydroxyethyl,2-hydroxypropyl or a mixture thereof, R² is C₅₋₃₁ hydrocarbyl, and Z isa polyhydroxyhydrocarbyl having a linear hydrocarbyl chain with at least3 hydroxyls directly connected to the chain, or an alkoxylatedderivative thereof. Preferably, R¹ is methyl, R² is a straight C₁₁₋₁₅alkyl or alkenyl chain such as coconut alkyl or mixtures thereof, and Zis derived from a reducing sugar such as glucose, fructose, maltose,lactose, in a reductive amination reaction.

Highly preferred nonionics are amine oxide surfactants. The compositionsof the present technology may comprise amine oxide in accordance withthe general formula:R¹(EO)_(x)(PO)_(y)(BO)_(z)N(O)(CH₂R′)₂.H₂O

In general, it can be seen that the preceding formula provides onelong-chain moiety R¹(EO)_(x)(PO)_(y)(BO)_(z) and two short chainmoieties, —CH₂R′. R′ is preferably selected from hydrogen, methyl and—CH₂OH. In general R¹ is a primary or branched hydrocarbyl moiety whichcan be saturated or unsaturated, preferably, R¹ is a primary alkylmoiety. When x+y+z=0, R¹ is a hydrocarbyl moiety having a chain lengthof from about 8 to about 18. When x+y+z is different from 0, R¹ may besomewhat longer, having a chain length in the range C₁₂-C₂₄. The generalformula also encompasses amine oxides where x+y+z=0, R¹ is C₈-C₁₈, R′ isH and q=from 0 to 2, preferably 2. These amine oxides are illustrated byC₁₂₋₁₄ alkyldimethyl amine oxide, hexadecyl dimethylamine oxide,octadcylamine oxide and their hydrates, especially the dihydrates asdisclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,075,501 and 5,071,594, which areincorporated herein by reference.

Ampholytic Surfactants

Ampholytic synthetic detergents can be broadly described as derivativesof aliphatic or aliphatic derivatives of heterocyclic secondary andtertiary amines, in which the aliphatic radical may be straight chain orbranched and where one of the aliphatic substituents contains from about8 to about 18 carbon atoms and at least one contains an anionicwater-solubilizing group, e.g., carboxy, sulfo, sulfato, phosphato, orphosphono (see U.S. Pat. No. 3,664,961, which provides specific examplesof ampholytic surfactants from col. 6, line 60, to col. 7, line 53,incorporated here by reference). Examples of suitable ampholyticsurfactants include fatty amine oxides and fatty amidopropylamineoxides. A specific suitable example is cocoamidopropyl betaine (CAPB)also known as coco betaine. Ampholytic surfactants can be used at alevel from 1% to 50%, more preferably from 1% to 10%, even morepreferably between 1% and 5% of the formulation, by weight.

Zwitterionic Surfactants

Zwitterionic synthetic detergents can be broadly described asderivatives of aliphatic quaternary ammonium and phosphonium or tertiarysulfonium compounds, in which the cationic atom may be part of aheterocyclic ring, and in which the aliphatic radical may be straightchain or branched, and where one of the aliphatic substituents containsfrom about 3 to 18 carbon atoms, and at least one aliphatic substituentcontains an anionic water-solubilizing group, e.g., carboxy, sulfo,sulfato, phosphato, or phosphono. (see U.S. Pat. No. 3,664,961, whichprovides specific examples of zwitterionic surfactants from col. 7, line65, to col. 8, line 75, incorporated here by reference). Zwitterionicsurfactants can be used as from 1% to 50%, more preferably from 1% to10%, even more preferably from 1% to 5% by weight of the presentformulations.

Foam Stabilizing Surfactants

Certain embodiments of the present technology, including but not limitedto LDL detergent formulations, can contain foam stabilizing surfactantsin amounts of from about 0.5% to about 15% by active weight;alternatively, from about 3% to about 10% by active weight;alternatively about 5% by active weight based on the total activesingredient weight of the composition.

Preferred foam stabilizing surfactants of the present technology caninclude Amphosol CA (cocoamidopropyl betaine), Ammonyx LMDO (laurylmyristal amidopropyl dimethyl amine oxide), Ammonyx LO (lauryl dimethylamine oxide) all from the Stepan Company, Northfield, Ill., as well asGlucopon 600 (alkyl polyglucoside), and Glucopon 425 N (alkylpolyglucoside), both from the Cognis Company, Monheim Germany.

Mixtures of Surfactants

Mixtures of any two or more individually contemplated surfactants,whether of the same type or different types, are contemplated herein.

In addition to the surfactants as previously described, a laundrydetergent composition commonly contains other ingredients for variouspurposes. Some of those ingredients are also described below.

Builders and Alkaline Agents

Builders and other alkaline agents are contemplated for use in thepresent formulations.

Any conventional builder system is suitable for use here, includingaluminosilicate materials, silicates, polycarboxylates and fatty acids,materials such as ethylenediamine tetraacetate, metal ion sequestrantssuch as aminopolyphosphonates, particularly ethylenediaminetetramethylene phosphonic acid and diethylene triaminepentamethylenephosphonic acid. Though less preferred for obviousenvironmental reasons, phosphate builders could also be used here.

Suitable polycarboxylate builders for use here include citric acid,preferably in the form of a water-soluble salt, and derivatives ofsuccinic acid of the formula:R—CH(COOH)CH₂(COOH)

where R is C₁₀₋₂₀ alkyl or alkenyl, preferably C₁₂₋₁₆, or where R can besubstituted with hydroxyl, sulfo sulfoxyl or sulfone substituents.Specific examples include lauryl succinate, myristyl succinate, palmitylsuccinate 2-dodecenylsuccinate, or 2-tetradecenyl succinate. Succinatebuilders are preferably used in the form of their water-soluble salts,including sodium, potassium, ammonium and alkanolammonium salts. Otherbuilders contain sodium citrate dihydrate, monoethanolamine, andtriethanolamine. Other suitable polycarboxylates are oxodisuccinates andmixtures of tartrate monosuccinic and tartrate disuccinic acid, asdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,663,071.

Especially for a liquid detergent composition, suitable fatty acidbuilders for use here are saturated or unsaturated C₁₀₋₁₈ fatty acids,as well as the corresponding soaps. Preferred saturated species havefrom 12 to 16 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain. The preferred unsaturatedfatty acid is oleic acid. Another preferred builder system for liquidcompositions is based on dodecenyl succinic acid and citric acid.

Some examples of alkaline agents include alkalic metal (Na, U, or NH₄)hydroxides, carbonates, bicarbonates. Another commonly used builder isborax.

For powdered detergent compositions, the builder or alkaline agenttypically comprises from 1% to 95% of the composition. For liquidcompositions, the builder or alkaline agent typically comprises from 1%to 60%, alternatively between 1% and 30%, alternatively between 2% and15%. See U.S. Pat. No. 5,929,022; column 7, start of 2nd paragraphthrough column 7, end of 6th paragraph, from which much of the precedingdiscussion comes. Other builders are described in PCT Publ. WO 99/05242,which is incorporated here by reference.

Enzymes

The sulfonated estolide formulations of the present technology mayfurther comprise one or more enzymes, which provide cleaning performanceand/or fabric care benefits. Suitable enzymes may be selected fromcellulases, hemicellulases, peroxidases, proteases, gluco-amylases,amylases, lipases, cutinases, pectinases, xylanases, reductases,oxidases, phenoloxidases, lipoxygenases, ligninases, pullulanases,tannases, pentosanases, malanases, beta-glucanases, arabinosidases ormixtures thereof.

The above-mentioned enzymes may be of any suitable origin, such asvegetable, animal, bacterial, fungal and/or yeast origin. See U.S. Pat.No. 5,929,022; column 7, 7th paragraph through column 9, 6th paragraph,from which much of the preceding discussion comes. Preferredcompositions optionally contain a combination of enzymes or a singleenzyme, with the amount of each enzyme commonly ranging from 0.0001% to2%.

Other enzymes and materials used with enzymes are described in PCT Publ.WO99/05242, which is incorporated here by reference.

Adjuvants

The sulfonated estolide formulations of the present technologyoptionally contain one or more soil suspending agents or resoilinginhibitors in an amount from about 0.01% to about 5% by weight,alternatively less than about 2% by weight. Resoiling inhibitors includeanti-redeposition agents, soil release agents, or combinations thereof.Examples of suitable agents are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,929,022;column 10, 3rd paragraph through column 10, 5th paragraph, and includewater-soluble ethoxylated amines having clay soil removal andanti-redeposition properties. Examples of such soil release andanti-redeposition agents given in the referenced patent include anethoxylated tetraethylenepentamine. The ethoxylated amines furtherdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,597,898, VanderMeer, issued Jul. 1, 1986,are incorporated here by reference. Another group of preferred clay soilremoval/anti-redeposition agents are the cationic compounds disclosed inEuropean Patent Application 111,965, Oh and Gosselink, published Jun.27, 1984, incorporated here by reference. Other clay soilremoval/anti-redeposition agents which can be used include theethoxylated amine polymers disclosed in European Patent Application111,984, Gosselink published Jun. 27, 1984; the zwitterionic polymersdisclosed in European Patent Application 112,592, Gosselink, publishedJul. 4, 1984; and the amine oxides disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,548,744,Connor, issued Oct. 22, 1985, all of which are incorporated here byreference.

Other common cleaning adjuncts are identified in U.S. Pat. No.7,326,675, col. 12, and PCT Publication WO 99/05242 (Pages 29-56). Suchcleaning adjuncts are identified as including bleaches, bleachactivators, suds boosters, dispersant polymers (e.g., from BASF Corp. orRohm & Haas) other than those described above, color speckles,silvercare, anti-tarnish and/or anti-corrosion agents, pigments, dyes,fillers, germicides, hydrotropes, anti-oxidants, enzyme stabilizingagents, pro-perfumes, carriers, processing aids, solvents, dye transferinhibiting agents, brighteners, structure elasticizing agents, fabricsofteners, anti-abrasion agents, and other fabric care agents, surfaceand skin care agents. Suitable examples of such other cleaning adjunctsand levels of use are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,576,282, 6,306,812 B1and 6,326,348 B1 and PCT Publ. WO99/05242.

EXAMPLES

The compositions of the present technology are illustrated by thefollowing examples. Examples stated in the present or future tense arenot represented as having been carried out.

Example 1 Preparation of a Bleached Aqueous Concentrate ofSulfo-Estolide (SE) Sodium Salts

The feedstock used in this example had an equivalent weight of about270.18 and was comprised of about 78% C-18:1, about 12% C-18:2, andabout 9% saturated fatty acids. The feedstock was sulfonated on afalling film reactor at a rate of about 129.9 lbs per hour using a molarratio of SO₃ to alkene functionality of about 0.95. The SE sulfonic acidwas continuously neutralized in a loop reactor with concurrent additionof about 36.8 lbs per hour of 50% aqueous NaOH and about 26.9 lbs perhour of water. The temperature of the reaction mixture in the loopreactor was about 50° C. Neutralized SE solution was transferred to astirred tank reactor and warmed to 80° C. Once at this temperature, fouradditions of 5.9 lbs of 50% aqueous hydrogen peroxide were added to thereactor over a 1.5 hour period. The total hydrogen peroxide charge wasabout 23.6 lbs. (about 3% active hydrogen peroxide by wt.). The pH ofthe SE solution was maintained around 5.8 throughout the process by theaddition of 50% aqueous NaOH. After the final addition of hydrogenperoxide, the solution was stirred at about 85° C. for 2 hours and thenthe temperature was slowly raised to about 97° C. This temperature wasmaintained until the residual active peroxide had dropped to about0.085% by wt. The solution was cooled and about 1.38 lbs of 40% aqueoussodium bisulfite was added to reduce the amount of residual activeperoxide. The SE produced from this reaction was at a pH of about 5.69,was comprised of about 68.22% solids and about 5-10 ppm active peroxide,and had a Klett color at 5 percent solids concentration of 71.

Example 2

The following Heavy Duty Liquid (HDL) laundry detergents were made:

% inclusion by weight (Based on 100% active material) Ingredient Formula1 Formula 2 sodium C₁₆ methyl ester 6.5 6.5 sulfonate sodium SE 6.5potassium SE 6.5 C₁₂₋₁₅EO₇ 10.0 10.0 deionized water to 100 pH wastargeted at 8.0 and adjusted up or down as needed with NaOH or HCl,respectively. The ingredients are listed on a “100% Active” basis,meaning that the listed weight percentage is not diluted but rather 100%of the ingredient. Water is used to bring the total weight up to 100%.

Formula 1 was perfectly clear with no precipitate while Formula 2 wascompletely opaque with significant precipitate uniformly suspended insolution.

Example 3

Further HDL formulas were made:

% inclusion by weight (Based on 100% active material) Ingredient Formula3 Formula 4 sodium C₁₆ methyl ester 6.0 6.0 sulfonate sodium SE 6.0potassium SE 6.0 sodium linear alkyl benzene 1.0 1.0 sulfonate C₁₂₋₁₅EO₇10.0 10.0 deionized water to 100 pH was targeted at 8.0 and adjusted upor down as needed with NaOH or HCl, respectively.

Formula 3 was perfectly clear with no precipitate while Formula 4 wascompletely opaque with significant precipitate uniformly suspended insolution.

Example 4

More concentrated HDLs were also made:

% inclusion by weight (Based on 100% active material) Ingredient Formula5 Formula 6 sodium C₁₆ methyl ester 9.0 9.0 sulfonate sodium SE 11.0potassium SE 11.0 sodium alkyl benzene 1.5 1.5 sulfonate C₁₂₋₁₅EO₇ 20.020.0 deionized water to 100 pH was targeted at 8.0 and adjusted up ordown as needed with NaOH or HCl, respectively.

Formula 5 was perfectly clear with no precipitate while Formula 6 wascompletely opaque with significant precipitate uniformly suspended insolution.

Analogous formulations corresponding to Formulas 1, 3 and 5 but usingthe ammonium or lithium salt of sulfo-estolide instead of the sodiumsalt are also contemplated.

Example 5

The following prophetic formulas, in Table 1, are intended to coverliquid laundry detergent formulas. Unless more narrowly defined in thetable, the pH of these formulas is between a pH of about 7 to about 10,preferably between about 7.5 to about 9.5 and most preferably betweenabout 8.5 to about 9.0. These formulas are not intended to be limitingin any way—optional ingredients described herein regarding the presenttechnology can be added in the proportions described. In each case,these are intended to be liquid detergent formulas and, after theaddition of optional ingredients, water would be used to bring the totalweight up to 100%.

TABLE 4 % Inclusion by Weight (Based on 100% Active) Ingredient* A B C DE F G H Sodium SE 6.4 12.4 12.4 10.4 25 27 25 27 Nonionic surfactant AES6 C16MES 4 4 4 4 11 11 11 11 Cocoamide DEA 9.8 9.8 9.8 9.8 17 17 10 10AMMONYX ® LO 2 2 2 C₁₂EO₃ 7 7 Coconut fatty acid Borax pentahydrate 1.71.7 1.7 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 Propylene glycol Calcium chloride 0.15 Glycerol4.6 4.6 5.5 4.6 3 3 3 3 Sodium citrate Triethanolamine MonoethanolamineFluorescent 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.2 0.2 0.2 whitening agent (FWA)Anti-redeposition agent Thickener 0.1 0.25 0.25 0.25 Thinner Protease0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 1 1 1 1 Amylase 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 Lipase0.2 Mannanase 0.1 Cellulase 0.02 pH *A preferred nonionic surfactant isBIO-SOFT ® N25-7, Stepan Company. A preferred AES is STEOL ®CS-460,Stepan Company. A preferred FWA is TINOPAL CBS-X, Ciba. A preferredthickener is Cellosize QP 100MH, Dow. Preferred thinners include:C₁₂EO₂, C₁₂EO₃ (in addition to that already included in certain formulasin the table), ethanol, isopropanol, sodium xylene sulfonate, sodiumcumene sulfonate, 2-methoxy ethanol, 2-butoxyethanol, methoxy ethoxyethanol and combinations of these. A preferred preservative for theseformulas is Neolone M-10 from Rohm and Haas used at 75 ppm on a 100%active basis.

The embodiments and examples described here are illustrative, and do notlimit the presently described technology in any way. The scope of thepresent technology described in this specification is the full scopedefined or implied by the claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A liquid cleaning composition, comprising:at least one compound having the following Formula 1:

wherein n is an integer from 1-30; one of X and Y is SO₃—Z, the other ofX and Y is H, and X and Y are independently assigned in each repeatingunit; A¹ and A² are linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated,substituted or un-substituted, alkyl diradicals wherein the total numberof carbons for each repeating unit is independent and in the range of C₈to C₂₂; a is 0, 1, or 2, and is independently assigned in each repeatingunit; R is linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, substituted orun-substituted, wherein the total number of carbon atoms is from about 1to about 24; W is a cation selected from the group consisting of sodium,lithium, ammonium and mixtures thereof; Z is a cation selected from thegroup consisting of sodium, lithium, ammonium and mixtures thereof; atleast one alkyl ester sulfonate surfactant; wherein the liquidcomposition is substantially free of settled precipitation, and has apercent transmittance of greater than about 50 at 570 nanometersmeasured in the absence of dyes and opacifiers, at 25 degrees Celsius.2. The composition of claim 1 wherein W and Z are sodium cations.
 3. Thecomposition of claim 1 wherein the composition has a total, combinedamount of saturated C16 and C18 fatty acid, or soap thereof, of lessthan about 5% by weight.
 4. The composition of claim 1 wherein thecomposition has a total, combined amount of saturated C16 and C18 fattyacid, or soap thereof, of less than about 3% by weight.
 5. Thecomposition of claim 1 wherein the composition has a total, combinedamount of saturated C16 and C18 fatty acid, or soap thereof, of lessthan about 1% by weight.
 6. The composition of claim 1 wherein theFormula 1 compound is present in the composition in an amount of about1% to about 50% by weight, the alkyl ester sulfonate is present in thecomposition in amount of about 1% to about 40% by weight, and thecomposition further comprises about 10% to about 98% water.
 7. Thecomposition of claim 1 further comprising at least one additionalcomponent.
 8. The composition of claim 7 wherein the additionalcomponent is selected from the group consisting of surfactants,builders, alkaline agents, enzymes, adjuvants, cleaning adjuncts,perfumes, dyes and mixtures thereof.
 9. The composition of claim 8wherein the surfactant is selected from anionic, cationic, nonionic,ampholytic and zwitterionic surfactants, and mixtures thereof.
 10. Thecomposition of claim 9 wherein the surfactant is selected from the groupconsisting of alcohol ethoxylates, alkyl polyglucosides, alkyl ethersulfates, linear alkyl benzene sulfonates and mixtures thereof.
 11. Thecomposition of claim 1 wherein the alkyl ester sulfonate is selectedfrom the group consisting of substantially C12 alpha methyl estersulfonate, substantially C16 alpha methyl ester sulfonate, and a blendof C12 to C18 alpha methyl ester sulfonates.
 12. A liquid cleaningcomposition comprising: at least one compound having the followingFormula 1:

wherein n is an integer from 1-30; one of X and Y is SO₃—Z, the other ofX and Y is H, and X and Y are independently assigned in each repeatingunit; A¹ and A² are linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated,substituted or un-substituted, alkyl diradicals wherein the total numberof carbons for each repeating unit is independent and in the range of C₈to C₂₂; a is 0, 1, or 2, and is independently assigned in each repeatingunit; R is linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, substituted orun-substituted, wherein the total number of carbon atoms is from about 1to about 24; W is sodium, lithium, ammonium, alkyl group, substitutedalkyl group, or a mixture thereof; Z is sodium, lithium, ammonium,substituted ammonium, or a mixture thereof; at least one alkyl estersulfonate surfactant; and water, wherein the liquid composition has atotal combined amount of saturated C16 and C18 fatty acid, or soapthereof, of less than about 5% by weight, and wherein the liquidcomposition is substantially free of settled precipitation, and has apercent transmittance of greater than about 50 at 570 nanometersmeasured in the absence of dyes and opacifiers, at 25° Celsius.
 13. Thecomposition of claim 12, wherein the alkyl ester sulfonate surfactant isselected from the group consisting of predominantly C12 alpha methylester sulfonate, predominantly C16 alpha methyl ester sulfonate, a blendof predominantly C12 alpha methyl ester sulfonate and predominantly C16alpha methyl ester sulfonate, and a blend of C12 to C18 alpha methylester sulfonates.